Companion Laser

In our never ending search for natural ways to treat arthritis we have added a new dimension to this treatment protocol that does not involve drugs. Its called Companion Laser. This modality has been used to treat people in Europe for over 30 years, and has now been FDA approved for use in the United States.

This treatment modality has been a huge boon to our geriatric pets with painful arthritis. This works well with our balanced medical approach- the bodies natural healing mechanisms with judicious use of just enough medication to take advantage of the significant benefits of this medication without their side effects. To learn more about it please click here or on the picture below.
As pets ages, pain, stiffness, soreness, and swelling occur around the joints as one of the first stages of arthritis. Certain breeds are genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia which is painful at the onset and debilitating as it progresses. Intervertebral disc disease, lesions can be developing for several years, and then suddenly reveal themselves in an acute onset. All of these disorders respond extremely well to the Companion Therapy Laser.

In most cases, after the application of the first treatment of photonic stimulation, the swelling and pain will be reduced within the arthritic joint. Continued therapy sessions have a cumulative effect on the target tissues and initiate a healing process to begin. Chronic disorders, such as hip dysplasia, can be managed with an initial aggressive treatment protocol followed by a maintenance program, tailored to each unique individuals case.

This treatment is not only non-painful, it is soothing. One of our staff is demonstrating this with her hand.

How does it work?

There have been numerous scientific studies and are many research articles that discuss different aspects of Low Laser Light Therapy (LLLT), each with their own unique perspective, however the simple answer is through photonic absorption, laser light energy converts into chemical energy which initiates a cascade of events at a cellular level
• LLLT promotes healing in many conditions because it penetrates the skin, increases the ATP and activates enzymes in the targeted cells.
• Growth factor response within the cells and tissue as a result of increased ATP and protein synthesis.
• Improved cell proliferation
• Pain relief as a result of increased endorphin release.
Strengthening the immune system response via increasing levels of lymphocyte activity.

Low level laser therapy aims to photo-biostimulate the cells. This therapy actually excited the cells. Low level laser device transmits photons. The skin then is absorbing these photons. At most these laser devices can penetrate down into the body’s tissue at roughly 3 inches depth. Take note that this does not cause heat to damage the tissues.

Once this photons reaches the cells of the body, these beams can promotes a lot of cellular activities. It can ignite the production of enzymes, collagen substances so that the cells will function well. Also since there is a higher production of cells, this will help in speeding up the healing process while it ease the pain felt by the body.

Also, since the low level laser helps in producing collagen, this prevents the formation of scar tissues. Scar tissues are actually less elastic but since collagen production increases, possibility is that tissues will be produced with an elastic characteristic from the collagen.

This whole process works like the photosynthesis for plants. The plant is absorbing the sun and this energy is being used so that the plant will grow. The plant represents the body while the light from the sun represents the low level laser light. Once absorbed, it initiates very important cellular activities that speed up cell repair and cell production.

However, please remember that damaged cells can be repaired even without low level laser light. But then it is important to note that low level laser therapy will help speed up the process.

Protocol

A typical treatment takes 15-30 minutes. No sedation is needed and you can be present to watch us do it. You get to wear some really cool laser glasses if you want to hold your pet while we treat.

Terry is treating a cat with arthritis in its spine.

Most pets love the feeling and rarely do we need any more restraint
than you or an assistant gently holding it.

A wide array of diseases are treated. Each treatment is individualized for your pet

A closeup of the wand in use

Most pets do well with a weekly treatment initially, then we space that out as we see progress. It can be used in conjuntion with VNA. As a matter of fact, we recommend both of them simultaneously for your convenience and your pets sake.